Having debt in collections is a stressful experience. It can be embarrassing and anxiety-producing to work with debt collectors. However, it’s important to know that lawful debt collectors want to find a peaceful and reasonable solution, and they are required to follow specific rules that protect the consumer. Navigating these conversations, even with a legal, authorized debt collector, can sometimes be confusing and nerve-racking. But how can you recognize when you’re talking to someone who is not genuine? As a legitimate, reputable company, Viking Client Services wants consumers to understand their rights, be able to recognize scams, and know how to protect themselves.
Scammers Won’t Provide Details About Debt
Typically, scammers don’t have detailed information about debt, even if the debt they’re calling about is real. More often, they stumble onto an old debt or something that belongs to someone else and try to take advantage. A good first step, if you suspect you may be talking to a scammer, is to ask for details about the debt and the creditor owed. A legitimate debt collector will always have these details and will be happy to share them with you. If the caller tries to avoid this question or distract you in another direction, it’s a good indicator they may be a scam.
Additionally, debt collectors are required to send formal, written notices. If you suspect a scam, ask about verification. These letters must be sent within 5 days of first contact, and they should include the amount owed, the creditor who is owed, and a disclosure statement that describes your rights and gives you 30 days to dispute the debt.
Scammers Won’t Provide Details About Themselves
Likewise, lawful debt collection agencies have nothing to hide when it comes to who they are and who they work for. Scammers, on the other hand, will avoid these questions at all costs – because they don’t work for anyone but themselves. Another early tactic for recognizing an illegitimate call is to ask for the caller’s name, agency name, and professional license number. If information is offered to you in response, take note of it for further research.
Scammers Will Use Illegal Tactics to Pressure You
There is a law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that was put into place long ago and is regularly amended. It establishes rules of conduct for debt collectors, including the elimination of abusive tactics. If a debt collector is harassing you, using abusive language, or making threats, that is a major sign that they are illegitimate. Any caller that tries to create pressure or uses fear to manipulate you into paying your debt is not working with a lawful agency and can be reported by filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or with your state attorney general.
Scammers Will Ask for Financial and Sensitive Information
As a general rule of thumb, you should never give out personal or financial information to someone you don’t know. Scammers will typically try to pressure you to make a payment right now, over the phone. They may threaten you with jail time or create a false sense of relief if you can just pay right now. They’ll ask for credit card information, bank information, or personal identification information. If there is pressure, if there are requests for sensitive information, if there is a sense of “let’s just take care of this right now,” you are probably talking to a scammer.
Scammers use the same old tricks everywhere they go, and debt collection is no different. Unfortunately, a lot of scammers and unlawful organizations have created a poor reputation for the debt collection industry. Legitimate collection agencies, like Viking Client Services, are trying to correct that reputation. We believe that people paying off debts should be treated fairly. We also believe that companies who extend credit should be paid back. Viking aims to provide fair treatment to everyone in the process, and we achieve results through compliance, empathy, and integrity.
